Well, I just hate to spoil all the summer suspense, but here’s the 49ers’ 53-man roster projection: QB (2): Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert Cut: Dylan Thompson Thompson, a rookie free agent, is obviously a strong candidate for the practice squad given the skimpy depth chart at this position. The 49ers didn’t use one of their …

James’ absence came after a 2013 season in which he had just 12 carries and had expressed thinly veiled dissatisfaction on Twitter with his limited offensive role. In April, a source said James would welcome a trade, which fueled speculation his decision to stay in Texas was a form of protest. …

The 49ers, who are working to sign their most important offensive player to a contract extension, have restructured the contract of one of their most vital defensive players in a move that will create salary-cap space in 2014. …

Smith will be sentenced July 25. He faces a sentence ranging from probation to four years and four months behind bars, at the judge’s discretion, said Deputy District Attorney Brian Buckelew. He said Smith’s plea was not the result of a deal with prosecutors. …

As first-round picks who didn’t immediately meet sky-high expectations, Jim Harbaugh and his teammate, Bears running back Brad Muster, endured their share of criticism after they were drafted in back-to-back years in the late 80s. …

After it was noted here last week that 49ers’ third-round pick Chris Borland is one of four linebackers under 6-foot who have been top-80 draft picks since 1995, a flood of readers asked the question: Who are the other three short guys and how they did they fare in the NFL, Eric? …

Given that data, it’s understandable Johnson is thrilled to see what the 49ers have done to their offense since he was released in 2012. A day after he re-signed with 49ers, Johnson said the change at the top – from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick – has made the offense more conducive to his style. …

Wow. Think about that: A person within USF’s program insulted Lynch moments after he realized a dream by getting drafted. That appears to be rather damning. On the flip side, consider the relationship between USF head coach Willie Taggart and Jim Harbaugh. …